The definition of epic: Fruita's The Edge Loop

How many IMBA epic rides have you ridden? Click here: IMBA EPICS to see the list. Have you hit at least one? What about more than 10? If you’ve ridden them all, I have a shiny buffalo nickel for you, because that’s just amazing, my friend.

My bike has touched the holy ground of three IMBA epics – boy, do I need to get out more. My last journey was this weekend in Fruita, Colorado – I rode The Edge Loop.

My willing compatriot Dave Harris and I packed up our Camelbacks early on Saturday morning to beat the heat in Fruita, Colorado. Our mission was to ride the Edge Loop, an IMBA Epic. By our estimate, we figured the Edge Loop would take us 3 – 4 hours. So, like all good mountain bikers, we loaded up with water, extra food and the cameras. We were in for a sweet epic and the smiles crossed our faces as we took off for THE EDGE.

The beginning of our Edge Loop extravaganza was dirt road for about 13 miles. The road twisted, bobbed and weaved and flushed us through some of the most amazing scenery around the Book Cliffs. Then we began to climb on that dirt road. We climbed and climbed for about 1,500 feet. The road is steep, but very manageable. Furthermore, the scenery kept getting better.

Near the top we acquainted ourselves with a pumping station. It was loud and cantankerous, as pumping stations will go. Then we climbed some more. Finally, after a couple of road descents we hit the overlook. The views from the overlook were tremendously western slope. What I mean is we could see it all: the Grand Mesa; the Colorado River; the San Juan mountains; Grand Junction; Fruita – you get the picture. After we closed our gaping mouths, we started on the descent.

The directions we were using stated the descent would be "loose, rough and steep." Thankfully, the description held true. I mean who wouldn’t want to ride a loose, rough and steep forest service road. We strapped the brakes to our fingers when we had to and let them loose when the road smoothed up. The road descent wasn’t too much of a problem. An intermediate rider would find it manageable. What it does do is deliver you to the beginning of the Edge Loop singletrack, which is always a wonderful thing.

The singletrack worked us through more amazing scenery. We brushed past twisted juniper trees and nervously avoided some prickly pear cacti. It was fast, twisty and very fun. At the end of this section of singletrack, we stopped for a moment to gather ourselves and some water. It was obvious that we were headed to the main feature of the Edge Loop, the notorious waterfall descent.

I can’t say that I’ve strapped my bike to my Camelback and lowered down a 50-foot cliff before, but then I’ve never eaten sardines either. The waterfall section of the Edge Loop is wildly cool. There is a fixed line that falls down through a waterfall to more epic singletrack. You have to grab hold of this static rope and use the notches and loops to lower your butt down. I jumped at the chance to risk my life (SEE VIDEO HERE). I used a small bungee cord and the lower strap of my Camelback to secure my bike. Then off I lowered my life and limbs away. We continued on through the ride. What awaited us with even more spectacular singletrack. The riding was smooth and very fast.

Our riding time was 2:45 minutes. The total distance was 30 miles. The total fun factor on this ride is a 10! I would suggest this ride to an intermediate rider with some technical skills. The waterfall portion isn’t too bad. You just don’t want to mess around. If you stay cautious you’ll move through the lowering portion very easily. The ride is not-to-miss epic.